South Africa-Finland Youth Peace Mediators Mentoring Programme Launched
Natalie Nyathi
In a significant move towards fostering global peace, Mr. Ronald Lamola, the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, launched the South African leg of the South Africa-Finland Youth Peace Mediators Mentoring Programme, yesterday. This pioneering initiative aims to empower a new generation of peacebuilders, equipping them with the necessary skills to tackle conflict resolution and promote sustainable peace worldwide.
According to the media statement released, the programme is a collaborative effort between the South African Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) and the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland. Over the course of a year, it will create a dynamic network of young peace mediators, providing them with practical tools for effective participation in peace negotiations, mediation, conflict resolution, and post-conflict reconstruction. The objectives of the programme align with critical international frameworks, including the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2250 on Youth, Peace and Security, and the African Union Agenda 2063, which emphasizes youth engagement in governance and security.
Minister Lamola highlighted the programme’s launch during Youth Month, a time dedicated to honoring the legacy of young activists in South Africa’s struggle against apartheid, particularly the heroes of the 1976 Soweto Uprising. He articulated the pressing need for youth to be active participants in peacebuilding, stating:
“When violence rises, freedoms crumble… By building bridges across continents, we reaffirm that young people are not merely beneficiaries of peace — they are essential agents of its creation.”
Fifteen exceptional young peacebuilders from various conflict-affected regions and global peacebuilding leaders will participate in the programme. Selected jointly by DIRCO’s Diplomatic Academy and Finland’s Centre for Peace Mediation, these participants will engage in in-person workshops held in South Africa and Finland, study visits to key institutions such as the United Nations and African Union headquarters, and online expert sessions focusing on thematic areas of peace mediation. The participants will represent a diverse array of nations, including South Africa, Finland, Colombia, Egypt, Ethiopia, and Ukraine, among others.
The programme also strengthens the strategic peace mediation partnership between South Africa and Finland, fostering networking and knowledge-sharing among young peace mediators. Participants will benefit from mentorship provided by seasoned international peace practitioners, ensuring they receive the guidance needed to succeed in their roles.
Minister Lamola reiterated that this initiative underscores South Africa’s commitment to inclusive, youth-driven solutions for global challenges, highlighting the importance of empowering the next generation to shape the future of peace.
The South Africa-Finland Youth Peace Mediators Mentoring Programme represents a crucial step towards engaging youth in meaningful peacebuilding efforts. By equipping young leaders with the tools they need, this programme not only aims to resolve current conflicts but also to cultivate a more peaceful and sustainable future for all.
As the world grapples with ongoing conflicts, initiatives like this remind us of the vital role young people play in creating a more harmonious global community.
